Enterobacterales Carbapenem Resistance, OXA-48 Carbapenemase — Anaerobic Culture
A culture-based test that detects Enterobacterales with carbapenem resistance and evaluates for the OXA-48 carbapenemase mechanism.
["A positive result indicates a carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales isolate with OXA-48 detected."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 100902-6
- Short code
- Enterobac.carb res OXA-48 Anal Cult
- Synonyms
- Enterobac.carb res OXA-48 Anal Cult
- Category
- tumor-marker
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 86038
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test looks for Enterobacterales, a family of bacteria that can include important causes of infection. It also checks for carbapenem resistance and the OXA-48 carbapenemase enzyme, which can make these bacteria difficult to treat with some antibiotics.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to investigate a possible bacterial infection, guide antibiotic treatment, or determine whether resistant bacteria are present. It may also be used for infection-control or public-health purposes.
How is the test performed?
A laboratory specimen is cultured under the specified conditions to look for bacterial growth. If Enterobacterales are recovered, the laboratory evaluates their resistance to carbapenem antibiotics and tests for the OXA-48 resistance mechanism.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the specimen-collection instructions provided by your healthcare team. The required specimen and preparation depend on the infection being evaluated. Do not stop prescribed antibiotics unless your clinician instructs you to do so.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result may indicate infection or colonization by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, which can limit treatment choices. Detection of OXA-48 identifies a specific carbapenemase mechanism associated with reduced susceptibility to several carbapenem antibiotics. A positive culture does not by itself show that the bacteria are causing the symptoms, so results must be interpreted with the specimen type and clinical situation.
Short name
CRE/OXA-48 culture
Frequently asked questions
What does OXA-48 mean?
Does a positive result mean I have an infection?
Are the results available immediately?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy